Good Safety Net

A strong safety net means a strong Canada

Strengthening Canada’s income support systems will help
ensure that no one falls through the cracks

Jenny and Claude’s story

Many of Canada’s veterans are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and physical health challenges. We asked them to serve our country, but, due to federal cuts to Veterans Affairs staff and services, our veterans are not getting the care they need and deserve.

“They abandoned us,” said Jenny. Her husband Claude returned from his 20-year service in the Canadian military with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“We are nothing to our government, all of us, every veteran and every family member is in need of help.”

Among other things, Claude lives with tinnitus, a constant ringing in his ears that leaves him unsteady and sleepless. And, while treatment exists, he can’t get it.

“We have to beg for everything we get,” Jenny said.

As Claude’s care needs grew, Jenny left her job to care for him. His life depended on it.

Jenny and other veterans’ spouses don’t receive training in how to deal with the often unpredictable and extreme symptoms of the disorder.

“It is overwhelming and everyone suffers, including the children,” said Jenny. “Sometimes I think Claude served a better Canada than the one he came home to.”